“Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System: New steps towards its sustainable conservation”
The 2021 publication compiles good practices and expert perspectives on the conservation and sustainable management of this serial property, including regarding tangible and intangible heritage conservation, Heritage Impact Assessments, community participation, monitoring systems and risk management.
About the Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
The Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014. Its inscription is an outstanding example of international cooperation and the fruit of ongoing efforts by the six countries involved in its protection: Argentina, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
This vast and complex road system of more than 6,000 km reached its peak in the Inca period. It covers a large part of the Andean region comprising hundreds of archaeological sites and associated communities along its route, thus reinforcing the cultural identity of local communities, transcending national borders and contributing to a significant heritage to humanity.
“Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System: New steps towards its sustainable conservation”
The 2021 UNESCO publication “Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System: New steps towards its sustainable conservation” provides an overview of the work undertaken between 2017 and 2021, within the framework of a project focused on the conservation and sustainable management of the Qhapaq Ñan. In the publication, a large number of experts in cultural heritage from the Latin American region, including national authorities, community representatives and specialists from the participating countries, share their reflections and the results of the collaborative work.
The publication was launched at a special side-event during the 23rd session of the General Assembly of States Parties to the 1972 Convention, which took place on 25 November 2021 with the presence of the Director of the World Heritage Centre a.i. and the representatives of the six States Parties participating to the Qhapaq Ñan.
The case studies shared in the publication include experiences regarding tangible and intangible heritage conservation, the application of Heritage Impact Assessments (HIA), community participation, monitoring systems and risk management. These successful experiences and good practices are of great value and can serve as a source of inspiration for other UNESCO World Heritage properties, and more generally, for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention in the 21st century.
Source: UNESCO, 2021
Contribution towards Sustainable Development
If fully implemented in accordance with the described plans, the initiative could contribute towards Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
- Target 11.4: the initiative aims to strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage by sharing good practices and successful experiences.
Goal 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
- Target 17.9: the initiative aims to enhance international support for capacity-building in developing countries, through North-South, South-South and triangular cooperation.
- Target 17.16: the initiative aims to enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilise and share knowledge, expertise, and financial resources, to support the achievement of the sustainable development goals in all countries, in particular developing countries.
Note: the described potential impacts of the projects are only indicative and based on submitted and available information.
To learn more
Download the publication “Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System: New steps towards its sustainable conservation”
Note: The cases shared in this platform address heritage protection practices in World Heritage sites and beyond. Items being showcased in this website do not entail any type of recognition or inclusion in the World Heritage list or any of its thematic programmes. The practices shared are not assessed in any way by the World Heritage Centre or presented here as model practices nor do they represent complete solutions to heritage management problems. The views expressed by experts and site managers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the World Heritage Centre. The practices and views shared here are included as a way to provide insights and expand the dialogue on heritage conservation with a view to further urban heritage management practice in general.
Argentina
Bolivia (Plurinational State of)
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Peru